Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns
Lymphadenopathy/Tumor In the past six months, I have experienced frequent warmth and swelling in the lymph nodes near the left side of my jaw close to my neck, along with a sensation of foreign body presence. It is not painful, but it feels slightly larger than the right side. Ad...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hong, 28 years old, male, is advised to see an otolaryngologist. Based on the physician's examination and assessment, it is more suitable for him to visit the Taoyuan Hospital for health and wellness. Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Symptoms and Concerns
Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Stage II oral cancer Hello Doctor, my sister was diagnosed with stage II left oral mucosal cancer in September last year. Bone scans and neck CT scans showed no metastasis. After the primary physician surgically removed the tumor and sutured with artificial skin (without performi...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Anonymous / 46 years old / Female Hello, I have been diagnosed with stage II oral cancer, and after the tumor was removed, it has been less than a year, and now it has metastasized to the lymph nodes. Is this possible? A: Yes, it can occur. If metastasis happens, how is the ca...[Read More] Understanding Stage II Oral Cancer: Recurrence, Metastasis, and Survival Rates
Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Risk of breast cancer recurrence Hello Dr. Chen, I would like to inquire about the risk of cancer recurrence related to the IHC4 score. The pathology report states: IDC, Grade 1, pT1cN0M0, ER (80%), PR (50%), Her-2 (score 1+), Ki-67 5% (<5%). The IHC4 score is -23.675. I am co...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Wendy / 54 years old / Female Hello, I have calculated my IHC4 score as -23.675, which matches the data provided by your doctor. You made an error in your calculation; the reason is that Her-2 (score 1+) is considered negative, so you should input 0 for that calculation. Wishing...[Read More] Understanding IHC4 Score and Its Impact on Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Iodine-131 waste contamination Hello, I am a patient with thyroid follicular carcinoma and I am undergoing my first iodine-131 treatment with a dosage of 30 mCi. On the first day after taking radioactive iodine, I accidentally allowed urine to come into contact with the bathtub w...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ms. Hsu / 43 years old / Female Is there a risk that this will affect the child's future development? A: No. The dosage is low, and this type of radiation has limited penetration. Should I take my child for regular thyroid check-ups in the future? A: There is no need to have...[Read More] Concerns About Iodine-131 Contamination and Child Safety
Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Questions about endometrial cancer? Hello, Doctor. I recently sought medical attention due to abnormal bleeding, and after examination, the diagnosis report is as follows: Endometrial Cancer Grade 2/3. The blood test results are: CA-125: 14, CEA: 1, β-hCG: 11. I would like to ask...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Q: Hello, Qingwen, 60 years old, female. I would like to ask about the significance of three blood test indicators and results, and why there can be a situation where tumor markers are normal but a biopsy shows cancer? A: These blood test indicators are not specific to endometr...[Read More] Understanding Endometrial Cancer: Key Questions and Insights
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Malignant pleural effusion cannot be drained? Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask about my mother, who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for over ten years. In recent years, the cancer has metastasized to various areas, and she has also devel...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Sunny / 28 years old / Male Hello, you are already in stage IV. Although you have been undergoing treatment, ultimately, there may come a point where 1. there are no treatment options available, or 2. you may lack the physical strength to continue treatment. As for whether ther...[Read More] Managing Malignant Pleural Effusion When Drainage is Not Possible
Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Hello! My mother is 71 years old. Earlier this year, a cytological examination revealed a malignant tumor (a papillary carcinoma) in the isthmus of her thyroid, while both lobes of the thyroid were unaffected. After consulting with the doctor, she unde...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Patient: 44 years old, female Hello! 1. The postoperative report indicates that there is one metastatic lymph node among six surrounding the thyroid (the doctor mentioned it is stage I). Is this considered distant metastasis? The doctor stated that this situation is relatively...[Read More] Understanding Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma and Lymph Node Metastasis in Seniors
Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Consultation for Oral Pathology Report Interpretation In April of this year, an unknown growth was discovered in the upper jaw, which was asymptomatic. After a hospital examination, it was surgically removed, and the pathology report indicated inflammatory cell fibrosis. Less tha...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
A / 39 years old / Female 1. Is squamous hyperplasia a bad thing? Will the pathology report show any bad cells? A: It is benign, so it cannot be classified as bad cells. 2. Why did it grow back in less than a month? Is it because it is something bad? Is it therefore impossi...[Read More] Understanding Oral Pathology Reports: Key Insights on Squamous Hyperplasia and Tumor Concerns
Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Abnormal CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) levels in health checkup? Hello, last December my CEA level was 14, which has never been this high; it has always been between 1 and 2. I do not smoke. Last week, I had my blood drawn again for CEA, and the result was a normal value of 1.3....
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
HeroC / 41 years old / Male has returned to normal, so it is not cancer. I will only respond regarding cancer as it is my area of responsibility. Wishing you physical and mental well-being. Taoyuan Hospital, Dr. Chen Si-Rong.[Read More] Understanding Fluctuations in CEA Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
CA19-9 Issues Hello, doctor. Two to three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was less than 10. This year, from February to May, the levels increased from 15 to 17, then 18, and finally 23. All other markers are normal. Does this increase indicate inflammation in the body? Should I under...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Mr. Wen / 38 years old. CA 19-9 is a tumor marker, and elevated levels can be associated with pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer, and gastric cancer. Occasionally, conditions like cholecystitis and acute pancreatitis can also result in increased levels. So...[Read More] Understanding CA19-9 Levels: What Rising Numbers Mean for Your Health
Understanding Lymph Node Masses: Benign vs. Malignant Insights
There are lymph nodes in the neck? Hello Doctor: During my health check-up, my family medicine doctor felt a lump in my neck and arranged for an ultrasound and a biopsy. The doctor who performed the ultrasound said it was a benign lymph node and canceled the biopsy. Can benign ly...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Alice / 60 years old / Female Hello: 1. Can benign lymph nodes be distinguished from malignant ones through ultrasound examination? A: If the doctor is confident enough to forgo a biopsy, it should be based on the characteristics and composition (distinguishing between fluid,...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Masses: Benign vs. Malignant Insights
Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Report Hello Doctor, my father started experiencing severe coughing after the Lunar New Year this year. He has visited many hospitals, and by mid-March, he was admitted to the emergency department due to persistent fever and chills every night. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Vanessa / 30 years old / Female Hello, 1. The content does not include a PET report; the final section contains a pathology report. 2. Tuberculosis and cancer can sometimes be difficult to differentiate, and even our attending physicians have encountered similar situations. Ini...[Read More] Understanding Tumor Diagnosis Challenges: A Case Study on Bone and Lung Issues
Understanding a Small Neck Tumor: Is It Genetic or Viral?
Inquiry about a small tumor on the left posterior side of the neck? Hello Doctor, I have noticed a small lump about 0.7 cm in diameter on the left posterior side of my neck. It feels somewhat hard, round, and has a bit of elasticity. It does not move, and pressing it firmly does ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Ah Hong / 23 years old / Male Hello, 1. Is it malignant? Or is it congenital? A: If it were malignant, it wouldn't have been asymptomatic for five years. As for whether it is congenital, the answer to this question depends on your perspective. Essentially, it may not hav...[Read More] Understanding a Small Neck Tumor: Is It Genetic or Viral?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lumps: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Multiple areas of abdominal pain with palpable masses? Hello, doctor. For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing lower abdominal pain, which initially presented with bruising, but the bruising has subsided. Upon palpation, I can feel two lumps, each less than 1 cm in size. ...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Hello! Regarding what you mentioned: the location of the pain changes, and when pressing on the painful spots, there is a sensation of hard lumps or nodules, along with feelings of inflammation and swelling, but when there is no pain, it is difficult to feel anything. 1. If a s...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Lumps: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Elevated CA 19-9 levels? Hello, doctor. Three years ago, my CA 19-9 level was over 5, and recently it has increased to over 15 in the last two months, and then to over 17 two months later. All of these values are within the normal range (below 37), but it seems to be rising. I wo...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Mr. Long / 37 years old / Male The normal values are within range. Don't be too hard on yourself; his name is a tumor marker, but it is also a substance naturally produced in the body, so it won't be zero. Wishing you a warm spring and good days every day. Taoyuan Hos...[Read More] Understanding Rising CA19-9 Levels: What It Means for Cancer Detection
Should You Get Your Abdominal Lumps Checked? Here's What to Know
Abdominal mass Hello Doctor: Recently, I have felt two hard lumps about 1 cm in size on the right side of my abdomen. They are not visible from the outside and can only be felt upon touch, resembling a cord with a bulge in the middle. If I press down a bit harder, it feels somewh...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
FF / 26 years old / Male General Surgery Dr. Chen Si-Rong, wishing you peace of mind and well-being.[Read More] Should You Get Your Abdominal Lumps Checked? Here's What to Know
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Lymphadenopathy-related issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: I currently have swollen lymph nodes in both groins and the inner thighs, feeling like a string of them has enlarged. A few of them are more elongated and oval-shaped, and they are movable. Ther...
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Anonymous / 21 years old / Male 1. General surgery, whether to undergo examination is based on the opinion of the physician you consult. 2. The biopsy itself does not affect the immune system, but emotional stress can have an impact on immunity. Wishing you peace of mind and ...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health
Elevated CEA levels? Recent health check results show that my CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. I have a smoking habit, and my chest X-ray is normal. Does this mean I have cancer? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Lin, 23 years old, male. The CEA level is 5.27 ng/mL. If the hospital's normal value is 5, then it's acceptable. Non-tumor-related conditions that can cause elevated CEA levels include smoking, peptic ulcers, gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, hypothyroidism, obstructive ja...[Read More] Understanding Elevated CEA Levels: What It Means for Your Health
Why Does My Armpit Still Feel Hard After Tumor Removal?
There is a hard lump in the armpit? I would like to ask, I had a hard lump in my armpit that was surgically removed, but why does it still feel hard when I touch it?
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Bonnie / 33 years old / Female. Although the mass has been removed, why does it still feel hard? 1. Short-term: Local inflammation has not yet healed. 2. Long-term: Local fibrosis due to surgery. It is recommended to have regular follow-ups with the original surgeon. Wishing...[Read More] Why Does My Armpit Still Feel Hard After Tumor Removal?
Understanding Small Growths Near the Anus: Health Implications and Care
A small polyp has developed at the anal opening? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my question. Here’s the situation: Recently, I have been excessively wiping after bowel movements, which has caused skin irritation around the anal area, leading to pain and itching....
Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Oman / 16 years old / Male. The likelihood of it being benign is higher, but it is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeon for diagnosis and treatment. Wishing you good health. Dr. Chen Sih-Rong, Taoyuan Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Small Growths Near the Anus: Health Implications and Care